2003 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 110 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 11 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2020
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
Campaign 20V008000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 15, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
Campaign 15V287000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnApr 20, 2011
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAY ENTER AN ASSEMBLY LOCATION HOLE IN THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING, CAUSING WATER TO COLLECT AT THE MATING SURFACE OF THE STRUT HOUSING PANEL AND THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THIS SNOW/WATER AND SALT INTRUSION MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING IN SOME SUBJECT VEHICLES.
THE STRUT HOUSING MAY CRACK AND PULL AWAY FROM THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. THIS MAY LEAD TO GRINDING NOISES, INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, AND POSSIBLY THE STEERING COLUMN TO BREAK, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED ON JULY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 11V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: structure
12 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Structure, Engine, Nov 3, 2025
Buying a used vehicle checking on issues
Structure, Nov 10, 2020
NISSAN IS CLAIMING THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 WAS ALREADY ADDRESSED ON MY VEHICLE. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL YEARS AGO FOR A RECALL BUT THEY NEVER FIXED THIS RECALL BECAUSE THEY WERE TOO BUSY. WHEN I CALL NISSAN RIGHT NOW THEY ARE CLAIMING IT WAS FIXED ALREADY. THIS WAS NEVER FIXED AND MY VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING THE EXACT ISSUES OUTLINED IN THE RECALL. MY VIN# [XXX]. I AM REQUESTING NISSAN TO FIX THIS ISSUE PER THE RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Structure, Service brakes, Apr 6, 2018
WHILE DRIVING 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER I HIT POTHOLE ON A CITY STREET, HEARD LOUD BANG, SHORTLY AFTER COMPLETELY LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES, UPON BRINGING MY VEHICLE HOME AND EXAMINING I NOTICE THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT HOUSING HAD SEPARATED FROM FRAME SNAPPING THE BRAKE LINE ON THE RIGHT FRONT. APPEARS TO BE THE SAME CORROSION ISSUE AS THE RECALL ON THE LEFT FRONT STRUT HOUSING.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Sep 13, 2017
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V244000 THE STRUT HOUSING CORRODED ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL ON MY 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. HAD PROBLEM WITH STEERING BEING HARD TO TURN I HAVE FOUND A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BUT BEING THAT I LIVE IN TEXAS THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS RECALL.
Structure, Jul 19, 2016
THE FLOORBOARDS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAVE STANDING WATER. WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR FLOODS. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPS THERE IS WATER THAT DRIPS ON THE DRIVERS LEFT FOOT. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER TWICE AND THEY ADMIT BOTH TIMES THERE IS STANDING WATER BUT DO NOT FIX IT.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Sep 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELLS. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Suspension, Structure, Electrical system, Jul 27, 2014
THE BODY IS RUSTING , MY GAS GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE, SUSPENSION IS FALLING AWAY FROM THE TRUCK. I LOVED THIS TRUCK AND HAVE HAD SINCE 2008 BUT NOW I AM IN FEAR TO DRIVE IT. I SEE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THESE ISSUES BUT THE MECHANICS JUST SAY IT'S NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I ONLY DRIVE 5 -10 MINUTES TO WORK AND HOME. *( *JS
Structure, Aug 16, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE REAR BUMPER FELL OFF. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, I NOTICE THE FRAMES WERE ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND EVERYTHING THAT IS CONNECTED TO IT IS IN DANGER OF FALLING OFF AS WELL INCLUDING THE FRONT BUMPER THAT IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF AT ANYTIME. I AM NOT A MECHANIC, BUT I AM SURE IT IS NOT AT ALL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. EVERY TIME I GET BEHIND THE WHEEL, I FEAR SOMETHING TERRIBLE IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Apr 23, 2013
THE PASSENGER SIDE EXHAUST SYSTEM SEPARATED (RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH) AT THE MUFFLER ASSEMBLY. THIS WILL BE THE 3RD EXHAUST SYSTEM ON THE CAR. THE FIRST ONE WAS REPLACED WHILE UNDER WARRANTEE BECAUSE OF A CO2 CANISTER FAILURE. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Feb 21, 2012
THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER DUE TO SERVER RUSTING. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THAT AREA. I WAS HEARING A NOISE FROM THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE RUST HAD DAMAGE TO THAT STRUT TOWER. MY ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS FINALLY COME ON AND I HAD S LOST OF BRAKE FLUID. THE STRUT TOWER COLAPSE SEVERING THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE. THE DEALER INSPECTED IT AND SAID THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THIS. I,M NOT SURE WHY THE LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER WOULD BE COVERED AND THE RIGHT FRONT IN NOT. I HAD LEASED THIS VEHICAL AND WHEN THE LEASE EXPIRED WE PURCHASED THE CAR OUTRIGHT. WE HEARD ABOUT THE RECALL WHEN I HAD ONE REMAINING PAYMENT ON THE CAR. NOW WITH THE CAR PAID IN FULL IT IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Structure, Apr 27, 2011
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT STRUT TOWER RUSTED OUT AND BROKEN, MAKING VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE. *TR
Structure, Dec 1, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING WHEN THE HOOD CAME UNLATCHED. IT BROKE THE WINDSHIELD ,AND DAMAGED THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH INTERFERED WITH THE CONTACT'S VIEW OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE HIT A YIELD SIGN WHEN PULLING TO THE SHOULDER. THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER TOLD THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE LATCH SEEMED TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE HOOD TO COME UNLATCHED. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION. *AK.